Nicole Inglis: Ski Town Beats

Steamboat Springs  High fire danger has been the talk of the town this summer, but with a wide range of activities and events from dawn to well beyond dusk, Steamboat Springs locals and visitors won't be missing the fireworks too much this Fourth of July.

Temperatures are forecast in the high 80s (bring a rain jacket for the slight chance of thunderstorms), so gear up for a Steamboat Springs Fourth of July filled with age-old traditions and new events.

Morning

Start Independence Day off with a traditional pancake breakfast from the Lions Club starting at 7 a.m. at Little Toots Park on 12th Street. Fuel up for the holiday ahead all while supporting the local nonprofit service club and its philanthropic efforts.

Then, peer out on to Lincoln Avenue at 9:30 a.m., where local Nordic combined athletes will prove that you still can ski during a nationwide, record-breaking heatwave. The roller-ski race will go through downtown Steamboat Springs just before the Fourth of July Parade. The Steamboat Sprint, a 400-yard dash for all ages, is at 9:40 a.m., also on Lincoln Avenue.

At 10 a.m. the floats start rolling down Lincoln Avenue, which will be closed from 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from Fifth to 11th streets.

Lunchtime

For lunch, head to the Pioneer Day Block Party at 11 a.m. at Tread of Pioneers Museum. Fun for the whole family awaits at Eighth and Oak streets, with free museum admission, “Routt Beer Floats,” kids activities and live music.

The Ski Jumping Extravaganza at the summer jump at Howelsen Hill will launch an elimination round at 11 a.m., as well.

Yampa

With a rich tradition of Fourth of July celebrations, the small South Routt town of Yampa also offers a jam-packed birthday party for America.

Starting with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Ladies Aid Hall, the Yampa Fourth of July celebration also features a parade (beginning at 1 p.m. at River Park) followed by a barbecue beef lunch at the school grounds and horse polo at 4 p.m. on Moffat Ave. Like Steamboat, Yampa has canceled its fireworks display because of high fire danger, but there will be family activities throughout the afternoon.

Evening

Rodeo organizers say this is the biggest day of the year for the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series. Expect crowds in the thousands downtown streaming into the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena for the annual Cowboy Round-Up Days rodeo. Gates open at 5 p.m., when there will barbecue and live music from Ragweed, an rodeo events begin at 6:30.

As the rodeo ends between 8:30 and 9 p.m., things begin to divert from tradition. While the fireworks usually begin flying around this time, the dry hot summer has caused the local fire department to cancel the display. This year the band 1964...The Tribute will be lighting up the Howelsen Hill stage right next to the rodeo grounds.

Expect an energetic and nearly spot-on recreation of an early Beatles show featuring the iconic, rockabilly tunes of the pre-Sergeant Pepper's era.

This band regularly sells out Red Rocks Amphitheater, and is sure to spur some cross generational sing-alongs.

1964

Late-night

For those not yet worn out, the action doesn't stop there. Several downtown venues will be playing off the rodeo and concert energy with live music.

At Sweetwater Grill, Missed the Boat will be playing a rowdy bluegrass show, while Berklee-trained and Steamboat native music producer Dream Island will be cranking up beats at The Boathouse Pub.

Mikey Thunder

At the Tap House Sports Grill, a $5 cover gets you an evening with Pretty Lights Music DJ Mikey Thunder who is visiting from the Front Range.

The fire danger is not forgotten at the Old Town Pub, where the band Copious will be donating their band fees and proceeds from an auction of camera equipment to the Poudre Canyon Fire Prevention Department.

Don't forget to rest up after all the festivities, Steamboat. A busy weekend is headed your way in just two more days with Art in the Park, several sporting events and a robust entertainment calendar.